Give Java application a Metro Look and Feel in Windows 8 [closed]

Question

I have already developed a Java application which is working well in Windows XP, Windows 7 & Windows 8 consumer preview. The application is developed using GWT, CSS3 with Spring framework,and built-in Jetty server which is used to launch the application using the Internet explorer.

After exploring throught the metro apps principles, i want to give my application users an extra benefit of using is as a metro app

I read about DWR, gwt-explorer. But still i'm not sure. Is there any other workaround with minimum code changes?

Thank you Mr.Andrew Thompson for helping me.

Birdbath

My trawl through the info. pages on metro-framework & metro-ui tend to suggest it is actually winrt that supplies 'Metro'. Can someone more experienced with the MS frameworks clarify? I added winrt but have not yet removed metro-framework. – Alms

Are metro style apps all web based? – Nerland

Is this a web app. or desktop app.? – Alms

@Thihara: No; in fact, none* of them are. – Balboa

HTML 5 and Javascript seemed to imply that... Anyway there are tools that will convert your SWING apps to web based applications. However I'm not sure that is what you want... – Nerland

@Thihara: HTML5 and JavaScript can be used to create Metro apps and no, the OP probably doesn't want a web app. Plz read: winrt – Balboa

Hmm I did. What are the chances of a Metro style look and feel coming to Java? That will make most lives easier... – Nerland

I have made extensive edits to your question since there seems to be much confusion as to whether this is a web or desktop app. Of course, I might be the one who is confused. Please check the edited version carefully, as well as the link and the info. pages for each tag. – Alms

Answer 1

You could mimic Metro style in a Java application. Here is an effort using the JavaFX UI framework:

http://pixelduke.wordpress.com/category/metro/

You can only use such applications in the desktop environment of Windows 8 though, not in the metro environment. But that could still be useful, depending on the case.

Trioxide

Answer 2

Metro style look and feel coming to Java?

I thought this was more to do with the Pluggable Look & Feel. Well don't wait, create! See:

• How to Write a Custom Look and Feel
• Creating a Custom Look and Feel
• The Synth Look and Feel

Alms

Can anyone help me with a workaround? – Birdbath

Answer 3

You guys all need to re-read the post again or fully understand the technologies before you jump all over this guy. He is saying he developed in GWT which is Java compiled to HTML/Javascript which does work in metro.

I know this is an old thread but I can't stand when people do that, it just makes it more confusing for other people reading this question.

Dah

I'm planning to build a Proof Of Concept - native bridge using JNA or similar. If I manage to display a Toast, I'll post an answer here. – Dayan

Answer 4

So I read the question again, and realized you're asking about how to get 'Metro' look and feel to a web application, and not a classic Java App..

Try this one http://metroui.org.ua/ Package provide a set of CSS and Javascript files to help your site have the metro look and feel.

HTH

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::OLD ANSWER::

Java is NOT JavaScript in the same way that a CAR is not a CARpet.

Your best bet is to do your UI and parts that need to interface with the OS in a .NET language (C# or VB) and try to convert your existing Java code in to JSharp.

I cannot confirm that JSharp is supported to be used in a Metro Style app though.

Other options is that, if you have a web based alternative to your app, then you may have a better shot trying to convert than into a HTML/JavaScript Metro app.

Simply, Java and Metro, just don't get along, and they probably never will.

Secundine